2016 asian cup

ABU DHABI: The bone-shaking "Viking thunderclap" made famous by Iceland fans at Euro 2016 has become a smash hit in the most unlikely of places - at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.An expression of solidarity between supporters and players, the iconic slow chant - accompanied by a single clap in unison - has been adopted by fans of teams including China, India, Thailand, Lebanon and Iran.India captain Sunil Chhetri led his team of unlikely Vikings in a lusty thunderclap after the Blue Tigers thrashed Thailand 4-1 in Abu Dhabi.Chinese fans followed suit after their team's 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan, and it has gathered pace since."Nobody does it like we do of course - but it's really cool that more countries are using it to support their team," Hilmar Jokull, vice chairman of Iceland's noisy Tolfan supporters group, told AFP."We're just a tiny country in the middle of nowhere and we're not expecting anyone to copy us -- especially countries of more than a billion people."The … [Read more...] about That Viking feeling: Iceland ‘thunderclap’ takes Asian Cup by storm

Sport Qatar have what it takes to register their best Asian Cup performance when the continental showpiece kicks off in the United Arab Emirates this week, captain Hassan Al-Haydos has said. 02 Jan 2019 01:40AM Bookmark REUTERS: Qatar have what it takes to register their best Asian Cup performance when the continental showpiece kicks off in the United Arab Emirates this week, captain Hassan Al-Haydos has said.The tiny, wealthy Arab state will make their 10th appearance in the Asian Cup and will be hoping to improve on their quarter-final appearances of 2000 and 2011.Comprised largely of players from Al-Duhail and 2018 AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al Sadd, the Maroons are in Group E alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North Korea - the only side below them in the FIFA rankings."I think we can go beyond the quarter-finals in the UAE," Al-Haydos told Qatar's Gulf Times daily. "We have very talented players and an excellent coach who has been with the team for … [Read more...] about Qatar capable of going deep in Asian Cup, says Al-Haydos

(REUTERS) - Qatar have what it takes to register their best Asian Cup performance when the continental showpiece kicks off in the United Arab Emirates this week, captain Hassan Al-Haydos has said. The tiny, wealthy Arab state will make their 10th appearance in the Asian Cup and will be hoping to improve on their quarter-final appearances of 2000 and 2011. Comprised largely of players from Al-Duhail and 2018 AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al Sadd, the Maroons are in Group E alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North Korea - the only side below them in the Fifa rankings. "I think we can go beyond the quarter-finals in the UAE," Al-Haydos told Qatar's Gulf Times daily on Tuesday (Jan 1). "We have very talented players and an excellent coach who has been with the team for one-and-a-half years. "On top of that we have a very supportive national federation who are in sync with the team's requirements." The confidence of Felix Sanchez's men of advancing deep into the tournament has also … [Read more...] about Football: We have what it takes to go deep in Asian Cup, says Qatar captain Al-Haydos

The only surprise is a recall for PT Prachuab striker Siroch Chatthong, who was not even recruited for the recently concluded AFF Suzuki Cup after a poor return of three goals in 24 national appearances stretching back to 2016. The three musketeers – Teerasil, Theerathon Bunmathan and 2018 Thai FA Player of the Year winner Chanathip Songkrasin – have all been selected for the tournament which takes place in the United Arab Emirates from January 5 to February 1. The Thai challenge will be spearheaded by 30-year-old Teerasil, who has scored an impressive 42 goals in 95 Thailand games. Supachai, 20, who has three goals from just eight caps, will vie for a start with his idol Teerasil plus three other strikers –Adisak Kraisorn, Chananan Pombuppha and Siroch. Among those to miss out are Peerapat Notchaiya, Shinnaphat Leeaoh and Supachok Sarachat, while O-Leuven goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan withdrew on Wednesday with a foot injury. It’ll be … [Read more...] about Rajevac picks 5 forwards for Asian Cup

Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac is still hopeful of progressing into the Asian Cup second round despite his side being placed in a tough group with host nation the United Arab Emirates The Serbian attended Friday’s draw in Dubai at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and declared himself satisfied at being placed in group A alongside world No 97 India, No 119 Bahrain and No 81 UAE, who beat Thailand 3-1 in a World Cup Qualifier in October 2016 “I’m OK with the draw as all teams have better world rankings than we do We are ready to face any team and I believe I can help the team reach the second round,” said Rajevac, who led his team into the final of the King’s Cup in March where they lost to the Slovak Republic 3-2 “We will study each team carefully but in the end it all depends on how we play However we also have our own style,” added Rajevac who has been in charge of the Thai team, ranked 122nd in the world, since April … [Read more...] about Relishing the challenge: Milovan Rajevac says Thailand can upset the odds at the Asian Cup